–Technology and Protectionism:Izabella Kaminska looks at what happens when technology starts to make jobs obsolete. “Over in the auto world, for example, a stealth revolution is currently being waged on car dealers by manufacturers. Thanks to the internet, there’s simply no reason why car manufacturers can’t deal directly with customers. Orders can be gathered online, and customers — rather than being targeted by pushy salesmen — can take full control of the decisions they make. Prices, extras and specs can be decided upon with the helpful advice of independent experts, fans, enthusiasts, and journalists on auto forums… The reaction in the US has been protectionist to say the least, due to the threat it poses for the decades-long gravy train that has been provided to US dealers via the margin-based sales and distribution model.”